April 1, 2013

A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) joint task force made up of various divisions within the department conducted an operation in the Lubbock region last week that resulted in the capture of 45 wanted fugitives and the seizure of illegal narcotics.

LUBBOCK â€“ The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced that a DPS joint task force made up of various divisions within the department conducted an operation in the Lubbock region last week that resulted in the capture of 45 wanted fugitives and the seizure of illegal narcotics. Some of the arrests included charges for aggravated assault of a child, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, continuous abuse of children, indecency with a child causing serious bodily injury, sexual assault, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by a felon. The task force identified and targeted high-risk offenders and criminal gang members wanted on felony charges, as well as out of compliance sex offenders. The task force also identified high intensity theft areas and suspected stash houses used to store and distribute controlled substances.
â€œThis operation underscores theÂ dedication of the many men and women working at DPS as well as our local, state and federal law enforcement partners who strive to protect Texans every day,"Â said DPS Regional Commander Randy Prince. "Thanks to the coordinated efforts by all involved, these criminals are now off our streets and our communities are safer today."
Through information gathered prior to and during the operation, 15 searches were executed resulting in the seizure of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 40 grams of cocaine, more than seven pounds of marijuana and one weapon. During the same time period, DPS Highway Patrol made three significant seizures in the Lubbock region, resulting in the seizure of 4,000 grams of methamphetamine, which is valued over $300,000 and 32 pounds of marijuana.
The joint task force was comprised of DPS personnel from the Criminal Investigations Division, the Regulatory Services Division, the Texas Highway Patrol Division, the Aircraft section, the Special Response Team section, the Intelligence and Counter Terrorism Division and the Texas Rangers Division. Numerous federal, state, county and local agencies also assisted during the operation.
The unified operation involved Bailey, Carson, Eastland, Fisher, Gray, Lubbock, Potter, Nolan, Randall, Taylor and Wichita counties.